As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.

No. 10: Jeremy Kerley

Last year’s ranking: 10

Position: Wide receiver

Age: 25

How acquired: Selected in the fifth round of the 2011 Draft

Years left on contract: 1

2014 salary cap figure: $1.5 million

Looking back at 2013: A popular cliché is that wins are the only stats that matter. If that is the case, Kerley might have a strong argument he was the team’s MVP last year. The Jets went 8-4 with Kerley playing and 0-4 when he was sidelined by injuries.

Kerley became a reliable target for Geno Smith, particularly on third down. He had a team-high 21 catches on third down. It was also telling that Smith’s worst stretch of the season came in November when Kerley was sidelined with a dislocated left elbow.

Kerley led the Jets with 43 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns. Kerley also returned 13 punts.

Outlook for 2014: This is a big season for Kerley, who is playing for a contract. He has proven himself to be a valuable piece of the offense in his first three seasons, but will the Jets pay him or let him walk next year? The team drafted Jalen Saunders, who could slide in and replace Kerley in the slot if they let him go.

For this year, though, Kerley is an extremely important cog in the offense. He is the team’s second-best receiver behind Eric Decker. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg likely will move Kerley around from the slot to the outside at times and try to maximize the number of touches he gets. With defenses paying attention to Decker, there should be plenty of opportunities for Kerley.

Kerley also can operate the wildcat offense and has shown he can throw the ball when asked.

During his first three years, Kerley has returned punts, but those duties may be over for him. Saunders is expected to be the team’s primary punt returner. That may help Kerley stay fresh, healthy and able to concentrate on being a receiver.